The New Year is upon us with the 2026 Olympic Winter Games rapidly approaching as the highlight of the season. As we gaze into the Crystal Ball, a few trends are coming into view about the people and competitions in the next three months.

#1 Youth Prevails

Youth will prevail in the men’s competitions. The next generation of Johan-Olav Botn, Eric Perrot, Tommy Giacomel are likely to dominate the men’s competitions for the rest of the season. Botn has only missed 5 shots in eight individual competitions, has 3 victories and leads the Total Score by 113 points. Perrot likewise has righted his ship with three podiums and seems ready to chase for the title. Likewise, for Giacomel; the focus he demonstrated in that brilliant Annecy Le Grand Mass Start win reminded everyone of his talent.

#2 Battle for the Top Women’s Spot

Lou Jeanmonnot seized control of the Women’s Total Score with two victories and a second place at Annecy Le Grand Bornand. Last season, she won eight times and could easily top that if she continues at her recent torrid pace. Yet at this stage, it is no runaway. She is the fourth women in Yellow so far. Although Jeanmonnot is the heir apparent to Franziska Preuss, don’t be surprised to see Minkkinen or young Maren Kirkeeide keep the pressure on the French star.

#3 Norwegian Men Leave Rivals in the Dust

The tragic, unexpected death of rising star Siver Guttorm Bakken was an extremely tough body blow for the sport and especially his teammates. Yet it is likely to add more meaning for this extremely deep squad. Veterans Vetle Sjaastad Christriansen, Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, Sturla Holm Laegreid plus Botn, Uldal and Co. are already an almost unstoppable force, winning four of the eight individual competitions and both relays. Look for a season relay sweep and multiple 4-of-6 Flower Ceremony days like in France.

#4 Most Spectacular Olympic Biathlon Competitions Ever in Antholz

Everyone knows and loves this venue, having trained and focused on it for years now. Who wins medals depends on perfect peaking. Do not be surprised to see the Italians, Giacomel, Wierer, Vittozzi, Mixed Relay and Men’s Relay teams win a nice stash of medals. They will all be inspired by this once in a lifetime opportunity. Beyond them think Botn, Laegreid, Perrot, Samuelsson, Jeanmonnot, Minkkinen, Preuss, Simon, an Oeberg and relay teams from Norway, France and Sweden.

#5 Faster and More Accurate on the Shooting Range

The targets are closing more frequently and faster than ever this season. Look at the staggering statistics: four of the top six women are at 90%+ with the other two at 88%; Botn leads the men at 96%m with Perrot 92%, and the next three at 89%.

As for shooting speed, watch Tommy Giacomel, Eric Perrot, and Justus Strelow roll out blazingly fast, accurate stages consistently. Although he was out for a bit, Martin Uldal holds the standing speed record with is unique style and will keep his rivals guessing every time he steps on the firing line.

On the women’s side, Dorothea Wierer can mow down targets as fast as anyone; likewise for teammate Lisa Vittozzi and Jeanmonnot.

In a sport where every second counts, the speedy shooters will continue to risk everything for victory. Many years ago, slow and perfect was the rule; now it is faster and faster and most likely perfect!

Bring on 2026; more exciting and thrilling biathlon on the horizon!

Photos: IBU/ Christian Manzoni, Yevenko, Archive, Nordic Focus